Getting Ready for Surgery

It is important to follow your doctor's instructions to get ready for your surgery.  If you have not received directions from your doctor, call his/her office and inquire about it.  You can expect one of our nurses to phone you and remind you of some of the pre-operative tasks to remember like those listed below.

The Day Before Your Surgical Procedure:

  • Please contact your doctor immediately if you get a cold, cough, fever, asthma attack, or stomach flu any time in the week before your surgery. Do not wait until the day of your procedure to inform the staff.
  • Please make arrangements to have a responsible adult drive you home after your procedure and stay with you that night. If you take a taxi, you must bring someone with you other than the driver! YOU MAY NOT DRIVE HOME AFTER RECEIVING SEDATION OF ANY KIND!
  • Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or chew tobacco at least 12 hours before your surgery is scheduled.
  • Stop taking Aspirin or any blood thinning medication 3 days before your surgery unless told otherwise by your surgeon.
  • You should discuss ALL medication (prescription, non-prescription, herbal, street drugs and supplements) that you might be taking with your anesthesiologist and nurse BEFORE your scheduled procedure.
  • Fill any prescriptions your doctor may have given you during your pre-surgery visit before the actual day of surgery.  When you are done with your surgery, it is best to go home to rest and not have to worry about picking up medication on the way. Often you will need to start your pain medication immediately to ensure your comfort and ability to rest.

The Evening Before Your Surgical Procedure:

  • Do NOT eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight unless an anesthesiologist has told you otherwise. Your stomach must be empty for surgery.  (Procedures without sedation may have different specifications-ask your doctor if you have questions about your sedation).

 The Morning of Your Surgical Procedure:

  • Keep your stomach empty! This includes chewing gum and eating breath mints! You may brush your teeth and gargle with mouthwash.
  • If you regularly take heart or blood pressure medication, you may be told to take them on the morning of surgery. If so, take them with only a sip of water.
  • Dress in casual, comfortable clothing-something you'll be comfortable in for the ride home.
  • Do not bring any valuables with you! Leave all jewelry at home, and arrange to leave your wallet or purse with your waiting friend or family member.  Tri Valley Surgery Center can not be responsible to keep your valuables safe.
  • If you are having surgery on a foot or hand, please make sure you are not wearing any nail polish.
  • If you are having any type of facial surgery, please do not wear any makeup.
  • Bring you insurance cards with you so we can update your records.
  • Arrive at your scheduled arrival time, which is normally one hour before your surgery is scheduled to begin.  We need this extra time to prepare you for surgery.  We do our best to stay on time; but, we thank you for understanding if your surgeon runs a bit behind schedule.

What to Expect Upon Your Arrival:

  • Check in at the registration desk
  • After the registration process, you will meet the nurse who will help you change and get comfortable for surgery.
  • You will be asked to sign consent for your operation.
  • Feel free to use this time to ask questions or just share your concerns.  We want to make this experience as comfortable as possible for you.
  • If your doctor has requested anesthesia services for your, an anesthesiologist will talk with you before surgery.
  • When it is time for your surgery, the operating room nurse will come and verify all information with you. The nurse will be with you as you become sedated.
  • You will be taken to an operating room for your surgery where a complete team of experienced medical professionals will be taking care of you.
  • Your family or friends may wait for your in our waiting room and will be informed when your surgery is complete.
  • When you are ready to be discharged, a nurse will assist you in getting to your car and answer any last questions that you may have.

At Home:

  • You will have a sheet of written discharge instructions given to you to take home. These will have been carefully explained to you before you left PSC; but, if you have any questions there will be a telephone number with your instructions
  • Expect a call from one of our nurses in the next few days following your surgery.  We want to check on you, and make sure you're well on your way to full healing!

 

Please also read The Morning of Your Surgical Procedure